The emissions have been calculated each year through to 31st March 2024 and presented in the annual SECR report. In this period Carbon Emissions have reduced from 1,215 tCO2e to 787 tCO2e. The primary reason for the reduction is the change in the emissions conversion factor for grid supplied electricity from 0.41205kg per kWh in 2019 to 0.19338kg per kWh in 2023.

Table 1.1 Carbon Reduction: Projected v Actual

The blue line is the emissions reduction target of 48.6 ton per annum to meet NET Zero 2045.

The red line is the organisations reported carbon emissions through to March 2024.

The yellow line in the graph represents the expected annual reduction based on the current action plan to reduce CO2e.

The action plan is based on the following actions being taken.

• The national grid for electricity decarbonizing by 5% per annum year on year to 2045

The annual reduction in the content of CO2e per kWh will vary depending on the region, energy sources, and policies in place. However, many countries are targeting significant reductions as they transition to renewable energy sources. Some estimates suggest a reduction of 5-10% annually as renewable energy becomes more prevalent and coal-fired plants are phased out.

• The national grid for gas decarbonizing by 2.5% per annum year on year to 2045

The annual reduction in the content of CO2e per kWh of gas will depend on various factors, including advancements in technology, the transition to renewable energy sources, and government policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although specific figures can vary, some projections suggest reductions of around 2-5% per year as cleaner alternatives are adopted and efficiency measures are implemented.

• 2025 – Implement all recommendations from the ESOS Phase 3 report

• 2029 – Transition of 25% of the company fleet vehicles to electric per year. Expected 4-year completion

The UK government has announced plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, with a goal to transition to electric and other zero-emission vehicles. This move is part of their broader commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner air.

• 2033 – Begin the phase out of Gas-powered heating systems and transition to a low to zero carbon source with a Seasonal Co-efficient of Performance of 2.7. To be completed across the estate over a 4-year period through to 2037.

The UK government plans to phase out gas boilers in new homes by 2025, with a broader goal to reduce reliance on gas heating in existing buildings by 2035. This initiative is part of the strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and promote the use of alternative heating solutions like heat pumps.

• 2043 – Offset target of 154 ton per annum of CO2e to meet 2045 Net Zero target.

Other factors for consideration.

The opportunity for reduction of energy use in buildings only included 3 measures:

  • Manage energy consumption
  • Install LED lighting
  • Improve controls and sensors for heating and hot water.

There are many other measures that could lead to consumption reductions, these include

  • Additional insulation (Floor, Walls, Roofs)
  • Improving the efficiency of boilers
  • Reduced flow temperatures
  • Demand controlled and heat recovery on ventilation systems
  • On-site microgeneration (Solar PV, Sole Thermal, Small scale wind, hydro)

As most buildings are leased by United Response the onus of introducing/ installing some of these measures will be on the landlord. Landlords will be responsible for ensuring their properties comply with the MEES Regulations

What is MEES?

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations are a set of laws that establish minimum energy efficiency standards for properties in England and Wales. The regulations apply to both residential and commercial properties.

  • Landlords cannot let properties with an EPC rating below E, unless they have an exemption.
  • Landlords must improve their properties to an EPC rating of E or register an exemption before entering a new tenancy

MEES legislation is currently under consultation to raise the minimum standard of property to EPC C by 2030 with an increase in the spend to be eligible for exemption.

To improve the EPC rating of properties landlord will be required to increase insulation values, improve ventilation, and introduce microgeneration where suitable. This will result in reduced energy demand across the Unted Response Estate.

SCOPE 3 Emissions

The carbon reports for SECR do not include any Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions refer to indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in a company’s value chain, both upstream and downstream. These emissions include those from the production of purchased goods and services, transportation, waste disposal, employee commuting, and the use of sold products. Scope 3 emissions are often the largest share of a company’s total emissions and are crucial for comprehensive climate impact assessments.

When the organisation starts to record scope 3 emissions the annual emissions total will increase from those speculated on table 1.1. Narrative will be required to show that the emissions reductions are on target. Scope 3 emissions should be expected to reduce in a similar way to Scope 1 & 2, but the onus will be on the supplier to reduce these or for United Response to take into account the carbon emissions of the organisation/ product when tendering for services.